News

Conserving Carolina announces spring hikes

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 5, 2020

Conserving Carolina invites the community to enjoy the work that conservation organizations have done over the years to preserve our area’s natural resources and to take in the beauty of the spring season.

Starting March 6, the first trek will head to Green River Game Lands for a 7-mile, moderate, out and back hike along the Green River Cove trail. This hike parallels the Green River with river views, cascades, stream crossings, and perhaps some early blooming spring wildflowers.

On March 20, the next hike will take place at Jocassee Gorges Management Area where the group will follow the Foothills Trail along Laurel Fork Creek to the 80-foot Laurel Fork Falls. This out and back hike is 7.1 miles total, is of moderate difficulty, and will offer the opportunity to view Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) in bloom!
On April 3, hikers head to DuPont State Forest for a 5.3 mile, moderate, loop hike. Starting from the parking area off of Reasonover Road, the trail will lead hikers passed Fawn Lake, over an abandoned airstrip, to scenic Lake Julia. Then, the trail follows Reasonover Creek, offering a few potentially wet crossings.

On April 4, Conserving Carolina partners with the Foothills Humane Society (FHS) a 5 mile, moderate, out and back hike at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve. Volunteer to walk a shelter dog from FHS! This is a great way to give the dogs exercise, socialization, and a break from the shelter.

April 17, hikers will venture to Conserving Carolina’s Florence Nature Preserve for a 4.2 mile, moderate, loop hike. The trail offers views of pristine creeks and cascades, scenic rock outcrops, the ruins of an old homesite, areas of old growth forest, and a short out and back to Rattlesnake Rock providing a scenic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge area.
On May 1, hikers will head to Pisgah National Forest for a 6.6 mile, moderate loop hike along Avery Creek before reaching Twin Falls, two 100-foot waterfalls that can be viewed at the same time.
There will be great opportunities for viewing spring wildflowers and listening to returning Neotropical migratory songbirds!

Finally, on May 15, the group will head to the Black Mountains for a 5.6-mile, moderate lollipop hike to Higgins Bald, below Mount Mitchell. This hike will offer great views and the emergence of spring in a higher elevation. Before completing the journey, there will be a short jaunt to view Setrock Falls.
If you are interested in attending Conserving Carolina’s spring hikes and would like more information, please contact Pam Torlina at 828-697-5777, ext. 300 or e-mail pam@conservingcarolina.org. You can also find information on Conserving Carolina’s website, www.conservingcarolina.org, and on Conserving Carolina’s Facebook page.

Conserving Carolina, a Hendersonville-based land trust, is dedicated to protecting land and water, promoting good stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.